The Apparatus

 Tuesday, 29 July 2008 Chicago-based quartet Maps & Atlases have redefined indie rock with their second release, "You and Me and the Mountain". The 17-minute long, 5 song EP is full of beautiful vocal harmonies, subtly technical guitar work and soul-inspired bass lines that work together to create an atmosphere of melancholy. At the center of the EP, however, is a unique plethora of percussion instruments, including various mallets and tempo blocks. Singer Dave Davidson's strange vocal style gives the band a hint of country twang, attributing to the ubiquitous organic feel that has always been a prominent characteristic of their sound. The one downfall to "Mountain" is the fact that it ends entirely too soon, leaving listeners wondering when the band will release a full-length album. Nonetheless, "You and Me and the Mountain" is the most aurally pleasing and original release of 2008 thus far, setting a bright future in store for Maps & Atlases and keeping fans wondering what they will do next.